Question

Convert the following: 
i. Ethyl alcohol into ethyl acetate 
ii. Phenol into benzene 
iii. Diethyl ether into ethyl chloride

Hint:

Choose reagents specific to functional group transformations for efficient organic conversions.

Answer 1

i. Ethyl Alcohol to Ethyl Acetate: 

CH₃CH₂OH + CH₃COOH ⟶_{H2SO4, heat} CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ + H₂O

Explanation: Ethyl alcohol reacts with acetic acid in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid and heat to form ethyl acetate (an ester) and water. This reaction is known as **esterification**.

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ii. Phenol to Benzene:

C₆H₅OH ⟶_{Zn dust, heat} C₆H₆ + ZnO

Explanation: When phenol is heated with zinc dust, it undergoes reduction. The –OH group is removed as ZnO and the product formed is **benzene**.

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iii. Diethyl Ether to Ethyl Chloride:

(C₂H₅)₂O + 2HCl ⟶_{ZnCl2, heat} 2C₂H₅Cl + H₂O

Explanation: Diethyl ether reacts with concentrated hydrochloric acid in the presence of anhydrous zinc chloride upon heating to form **ethyl chloride** and water. This is an example of **cleavage of ether** by halogen acids.

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Topic: Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers — Conversion Reactions